System for laterally moving industrial machine

ABSTRACT

A system for laterally moving an industrial machine is provided. The system includes a pair of rail elements configured to be positioned laterally below and support the industrial machine, the rail elements allowing the industrial machine to be moved laterally from a first operative position to a second, maintenance position; and a pair of linear actuators configured to laterally move the industrial machine as from the first, operative position to the second, maintenance position. The rail elements may include a first skid configured to couple laterally to an underside of the industrial machine at a first axial position; and a second skid configured to couple laterally to an underside of the industrial machine at a second axial position. First and second segmented support rails are positioned in sliding, aligned contact with the first and second skid, respectively, and are configured to be supported on a respective machine foundation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/737,524 filed on Jun. 12, 2015, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/088,153 filed onDec. 5, 2014. The application identified above is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for all that it contains in order to providecontinuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a system for moving an industrial machine formaintenance such as a generator from an aligned single shaft gasturbine-generator-steam turbine configuration.

Large industrial machines such as a gas turbine, generator and steamturbine are often aligned with other structures for operation. Forexample, the gas turbine, generator and steam turbine may be axiallyaligned in a single shaft configuration one with the other with thegenerator located between the gas and steam turbines whereby theturbines drive the generator rotor to produce electric power. Thisconfiguration is known as a single shaft STAG (steam and gas)combined-cycle system. In the single shaft STAG combined-cycle system,it will be appreciated that the opposite ends of the generator aremechanically coupled to the gas and steam turbines, respectively. Thegenerators of these systems, similar to other industrial machines, aregenerally mounted on foundations prepared for supporting these largesystem generators. Typically, large industrial machines or parts thereofsuch as the generator rotor, i.e., the generator field, must be removedfrom the machines for scheduled maintenance or repair. In terms of thegenerator example, with the three main rotating components of the singleshaft combined-cycle system secured to the foundation, and in axialalignment one with the other parts, it is not possible to remove thegenerator field axially due to the lack of clearance with respect to theturbines at opposite ends of the generator. Maintenance on the gas andsteam turbines can typically be performed in situ because the turbinehousings are split along a horizontal midline enabling removal of eachupper casing, exposing the rotors of the gas and steam turbines. Thisleaves the lower turbine casings resting on the foundation. However,because the generator is an electromagnetic generator, it is nottypically possible to split the generator rotor and casing at thecenterline and lift the generator rotor from the generator in a verticaldirection. Similar clearance limitations plague maintenance of otherindustrial machines.

With regard to generators, prior maintenance has been performed onrotors in single shaft combined-cycle systems, primarily in three ways.Once the generators are mechanically uncoupled from the turbines, thegenerators are directly lifted (via gantry or crane) from the foundationand moved to a laydown area in the plant where rotor removal in an axialdirection is not hindered by the presence of other equipment. Often itis necessary to bring in specialized heavy-duty lifting equipment forthese lifts as on-site lift capability is usually inadequate to performsuch lifts. Another prior process for maintaining generator rotorsrequires a movable slab forming part of the foundation for thegenerator. With the generator located on the movable slab, the generatormay be displaced transversely or laterally from between the turbines andthus moved to a position where the turbines do not interfere with axialremoval of the generator field. Another prior process mounts thegenerator on special foundations having removable portions that allowinstallation of guides that allow rotation of the generator about avertical axis, thus allowing removal of the generator field. Similarcomplex configurations are used widely for other forms of largeindustrial machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the disclosure provides a system for laterally movingan industrial machine for maintenance, the system comprising: a pair ofrail elements configured to be positioned laterally below and supportthe industrial machine, the rail elements allowing the industrialmachine to be moved laterally from a first operative position to asecond, maintenance position; and a pair of linear actuators configuredto laterally move the industrial machine as from the first, operativeposition to the second, maintenance position.

A second aspect of the disclosure provides a system for laterally movingan industrial machine of a power plant for maintenance, the systemcomprising: a first skid configured to couple laterally to an undersideof the industrial machine at a first axial position; a second skidconfigured to couple laterally to an underside of the industrial machineat a second axial position; a first segmented support rail forpositioning in sliding, aligned contact with the first skid andconfigured to be supported on a first machine foundation; a secondsegmented support rail for positioning in sliding, aligned contact withthe second skid and configured to be positioned on a second machinefoundation, each segmented support rail extending a distance beyond aperiphery of the industrial machine on at least one end; and a pair oflinear actuators configured to laterally move the industrial machine aseach skid slides along a respective segmented support rail.

A further embodiment may include a support rail extender for temporarycoupling to a first segment of a selected segmented support rail forspanning a gap between a pair of opposing piers of one of the machinefoundations during installation of the selected segmented support rail.

A further embodiment may include each segment of the segmented supportrails including at least one removable skid plate.

A further embodiment may provide at least one segment of a selectedsegmented support rail having a different length than at least one othersegment of the selected segmented support rail.

An additional embodiment may include each skid including: a beam; and askid member at each end of the beam, each skid member including a mountfor coupling the skid member to a foot of the industrial machine and anopposing, skid plate for sliding engagement with a respective segmentedsupport rail.

A further embodiment may include each skid member further including anactuator coupling for selective coupling to one of the pair of linearactuators.

Another further embodiment may provide the pair of linear actuatorsincluding a first linear actuator coupled between the first segmentedsupport rail and the first skid, and a second linear actuator coupledbetween the second segmented support rail and the second skid, andwherein the first and second linear actuator are synchronized with oneanother.

A further embodiment may include each segmented support rail including aplurality of spaced teeth extending along a length thereof, and eachlinear actuator including a linear actuating mechanism and a steppersequentially engaging with the plurality of teeth to step the linearactuator along the segmented support rail.

A further embodiment may provide a plurality of climbing jacks forraising the industrial machine in a synchronized manner to a raisedposition above the first and second machine foundations, allowinginstallation of the first and second skids and the first and secondsegmented support rails.

An additional embodiment may include cribbing for supporting theindustrial machine during raising thereof to the raised position.

Another further embodiment may include each machine foundation includinga pair of opposing piers on opposing sides of the industrial machine,each support rail spanning a space between a respective pair of opposingpiers in operation.

A further embodiment may provide a support member for coupling opposingfeet of the industrial machine together.

Another embodiment may include a support rail for supporting a portionof a respective support rail extending beyond a respective machinefoundation.

Another embodiment may include one of the skids and the segmentedsupport rails including a channel into which the other one of the skidand the segmented support rail is engaged.

Another embodiment may include each segment of the segmented supportrails including a plurality of lift rings or eyes.

Another embodiment may provide at least one of the segments of eachsegmented support rail including a plurality of fastener openings forcoupling the at least one segment to a respective machine foundation.

A third aspect may include a system for laterally moving an industrialmachine for maintenance, the system comprising: a pair of segmented railelements configured to be positioned laterally below and support theindustrial machine, the segmented rail elements allowing the industrialmachine to be moved laterally from a first operative position to asecond, maintenance position, wherein the pair of segmented railelements includes: a first skid configured to couple laterally to anunderside of the industrial machine at a first axial position; a secondskid configured to couple laterally to an underside of the industrialmachine at a second axial position; a first segmented support rail forpositioning in sliding, aligned contact with the first skid andconfigured to be supported on a first machine foundation; a secondsegmented support rail for positioning in sliding, aligned contact withthe second skid and configured to be positioned on a second machinefoundation, each segmented support rail extending a distance beyond aperiphery of the industrial machine on at least one end; and a pair oflinear actuators configured to laterally move the industrial machinefrom the first, operative position to the second, maintenance position,and wherein at least one segment of a selected segmented support railhas a different length than at least one other segment of the selectedsegmented support rail.

A fourth aspect of the disclosure provides a method of laterally movingan industrial machine for maintenance, the method comprising: supportingthe industrial machine on a pair of rail elements configured to bepositioned laterally below and support the industrial machine, the railelements allowing the industrial machine to be moved laterally from afirst operative position to a second, maintenance position; and movingthe industrial machine laterally using a pair of linear actuatorsconfigured to laterally move the industrial machine from the first,operative position to the second, maintenance position.

A fifth aspect of the disclosure provides a method of laterally movingan industrial machine for maintenance, the method comprising: raisingthe industrial machine above a pair of machine foundations, each machinefoundation including a pair of opposing piers on opposite lateral sidesof the industrial machine; installing a first segmented support rail ata first axial position of the industrial machine and supported laterallyby the opposing piers of one of the machine foundations; installing asecond segmented support rail at a second axial position of theindustrial machine and supported laterally by opposing piers of theother of the machine foundations, each segmented support rail extendinga distance beyond a periphery of the industrial machine on at least oneend; coupling a first skid laterally to an underside of the industrialmachine and in alignment with the first segmented support rail; couplinga second skid laterally to an underside of the industrial machine at asecond axial position and in alignment with the second segmented supportrail; lowering the industrial machine such that each skid is aligned incontact with a respective support rail; and applying a force tolaterally move the industrial machine as each skid slides along arespective segmented support rail.

In one embodiment, the supporting may include: raising the industrialmachine above a pair of machine foundations, each machine foundationincluding a pair of opposing piers on opposite lateral sides of theindustrial machine; installing a first segmented support rail at a firstaxial position of the industrial machine and supported laterally by theopposing piers of one of the machine foundations; installing a secondsegmented support rail at a second axial position of the industrialmachine and supported laterally by opposing piers of the other of themachine foundations, each segmented support rail extending a distancebeyond a periphery of the industrial machine on at least one end;coupling a first skid laterally to an underside of the industrialmachine and in alignment with the first segmented support rail; couplinga second skid laterally to an underside of the industrial machine at asecond axial position and in alignment with the second segmented supportrail; lowering the industrial machine such that each skid is aligned incontact with a respective support rail; and wherein the moving includesapplying a force to laterally move the industrial machine as each skidslides along a respective segmented support rail.

In another embodiment, each skid coupling may include coupling the skidto a respective, axially displaced foot of the industrial machine.

In yet another embodiment, each segmented support rail installing mayinclude installing the segmented support rail in sequential segments.

Another embodiment may include temporarily coupling a support railextender to a first segment of a selected segmented support rail forspanning a gap between a pair of opposing piers of one of the machinefoundations during the installing of the selected segmented supportrail.

In another embodiment, the pair of linear actuators may include a firstlinear actuator coupled between the first segmented support rail and thefirst skid, and a second linear actuator coupled between the secondsegmented support rail and the second skid, and wherein the first andsecond linear actuator are synchronized with one another. Further, theforce applying may include sequentially stepping each linear actuatoralong a respective segmented support rail.

In another embodiment, the industrial machine raising may include usinga plurality of climbing jacks for raising the industrial machine in asynchronized manner to a raised position above the first and secondmachine foundations.

Another embodiment may include placing cribbing beneath the industrialmachine for maintaining the industrial machine in the raised position.

Yet another embodiment may include coupling opposing feet of theindustrial machine together with a support member prior to the raising.

A sixth aspect of the invention may provide a method of laterally movingan industrial machine for maintenance, the method comprising: raisingthe industrial machine above a pair of machine foundations, each machinefoundation including a pair of opposing piers on opposite lateral sidesof the industrial machine; installing a first segmented support rail ata first axial position of the industrial machine and supported laterallyby the opposing piers of one of the machine foundations; installing asecond segmented support rail at a second axial position of theindustrial machine and supported laterally by opposing piers of theother of the machine foundations, each segmented support rail extendinga distance beyond a periphery of the industrial machine on at least oneend; coupling a first skid laterally to an underside of the industrialmachine and in alignment with the first segmented support rail; couplinga second skid laterally to an underside of the industrial machine at asecond axial position and in alignment with the second segmented supportrail; lowering the industrial machine such that each skid is aligned incontact with a respective support rail; and moving the industrialmachine laterally using a pair of linear actuators, each linear actuatorcoupled to a respective skid and configured to laterally move theindustrial machine from a first, operative position to a second,maintenance position as each skid slides along a respective segmentedsupport rail.

The illustrative aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure arearranged to solve the problems herein described and/or other problemsnot discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a conventional single shaft STAGcombined-cycle system.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a system for laterally moving anindustrial machine such as a generator prior to the lateral movingaccording to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the system of FIG. 2 after thelateral moving.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed perspective view of a linear actuator of thesystem for laterally moving an industrial machine according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a segmented support rail of thesystem according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of a detail of a segmentedsupport rail of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a segment of the segmented supportrail of the system according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a coupling of two segments of thesegmented support rail of the system according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of a skid of the system forlaterally moving an industrial machine according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the skid of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a set of feet for the industrialmachine including lateral support members of the system according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a linear actuator of the systemaccording to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show perspective views of a step of raising theindustrial machine using the system according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIGS. 15-18 show end views of the steps of installing a segmentedsupport rail of the system according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the system including a verticalsupport column for one of the segmented support rails.

It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not to scale. Thedrawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure,and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of thedisclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elementsbetween the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, the disclosure provides a system and method forlaterally moving an industrial machine, such as a generator in a powerplant, for maintenance.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly to FIG. 1, an industrialmachine 10 in one example may include a generator 12. In the exampleshown, generator 12 is illustrated as part of a single shaft STAG (steamturbine and gas turbine) combined-cycle system, including generator 12in axial alignment with a gas turbine 14 and a steam turbine system 16.As illustrated, gas turbine 14 includes a compressor 18, a plurality ofcombustors 20 and a gas turbine section 22 for driving a rotor axiallycoupled to generator rotor 24. Generator rotor 24 at the opposite end ofgenerator 12 is coupled to a series of high, intermediate and lowpressure steam turbines 26 which may utilize the high temperatureexhaust from the gas turbine and a heat recovery steam generator (notshown) to convert the gas turbine exhaust into useful steam for thebottoming portion of the combined cycle. It will be appreciated thatgenerator rotor 24 is axially aligned with and coupled to the rotors ofboth gas turbine 14 and steam turbines 26. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3,generator 12 includes a body 30 normally supported at a first axialposition 112 by opposing feet 32, and at a second axial position 116 byopposing feet 34 (one occluded by body 30) on axially displaced machinefoundations 122, 126. While embodiments of the invention will bedescribed relative to a generator 12, it is emphasize that the teachingsof the invention are equally applicable to a wide variety of industrialmachines 10 including but not limited to: gas turbines, steam turbines,compressors, jet engines, water-powered turbines, etc.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a perspective view of asystem 100 for laterally moving industrial machine 10 (FIG. 1), e.g.,generator 12 of a power plant, for maintenance is provided. In FIGS. 2and 3, generator 12 is shown separated from turbines 14, 16 (FIG. 1),but the turbines would be located axially adjacent to generator 12, thuspreventing removal of generator rotor 24 (FIG. 1). In FIG. 2, system 100has been installed and generator 12 is in position to be laterallymoved; and in FIG. 3, generator 12 has been laterally moved (illustratedas up on the page) using system 100. Generator 12 is shown with rotorgenerator 24 (FIG. 1) removed, but it would typically still be in placeas generator 12 is situated. As used herein, “lateral” indicates adirection generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A of generator12. In preparation for moving, all mechanical and electrical connectionsto generator 12 have been removed, including but not limited tofoundation anchor bolts; rotor connections to the rotors of turbines 14,16 (FIG. 1); bus duct; neutral grounding; instrumentation connections;lube oil, seal oil, cooling water, hydrogen and purge pipingconnections, etc. Other industrial machines 10 (FIG. 1) may have anynecessary parts removed to allow for lateral moving in a similar manner.

System 100 includes a pair of rail elements 104, 106 configured to bepositioned laterally below and support generator 12. Rail elements 104,106 allow machine 10 (FIG. 1), e.g., generator 12, to be moved laterallyfrom a first operative position (FIG. 2) to a second, maintenanceposition (FIG. 3). A pair of linear actuators 130, 132 may be configuredto laterally move the machine from the first, operative position to thesecond, maintenance position. Rail elements 104, 106 may interact withskids 110, 114 and support rails 120, 124. In this regard, system 100may include a first skid 110 configured to couple laterally to anunderside of generator 12 at first axial position 112, and a second skid114 configured to couple laterally to an underside of generator 12 atsecond axial position 116. System 100 also includes a first segmentedsupport rail 120 for positioning in sliding, aligned contact with firstskid 110 and configured to be supported on a first machine foundation122; and a second segmented support rail 124 for positioning in sliding,aligned contact with second skid 114 and configured to be positioned ona second machine foundation 126. Although machine foundation 122, 126may take a variety of forms, in one embodiment, each machine foundation122, 126 may include a pair of opposing piers 122A, 122B and 126A, 126B(latter hidden) on opposing sides of generator 12. Similar piers may beemployed for different types of machines. As understood, power plantpiers are conventionally reinforced concrete slabs engineered to supportheavy, vibrating loads. Similar piers may be employed for other types ofindustrial machines. As understood, during operation of generator 12,feet 32, 34 of generator 12 sit atop piers 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B. Asshown in FIG. 3 and as will be described herein, each support rail 120,124 spans a space or gap 128 between a respective pair of opposing piers122A, 122B, 126A, 126B in operation. As indicated in FIG. 2, eachsegmented support rail 120, 124 may also extend a distance beyond aperiphery of generator 12 on at least one end. That is, rails 120, 124stick out laterally beyond generator 12. Where necessary, as shown inFIG. 19, an optional vertical support column 102 may be provided forsupporting a portion of a respective support rail 120, 124 extendingbeyond a respective machine foundation 122, 126. As shown in FIGS. 2 and3, and in an enlarged perspective view in FIG. 4, system 100 alsoincludes a pair of linear actuators 130, 132 configured to laterallymove generator 12 as each skid 110, 114 slides along a respectivesegmented support rail 120, 124.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, details of segmented support rails 120, 124 areillustrated. As shown in FIG. 5, each segmented support rail 120, 124may include a number of segments 140 coupled end-to-end to form eachrail. In FIG. 5, four segments 140A-D are illustrated. It is understood,however, that any number of segments 140 may be provided in anyparticular rail 120, 124. The number of segments 140 may be determinedbased on a number of factors such as but not limited to: the overalllength required of rails 120, 124 to span gap 128; the available spaceadjacent generator 12 for staging of system 100; the size of generator12; the lift capacity of an overhead crane (OHC) used to position railssegments 140; etc. Each segment 140 and thus rails 120, 124 may take theform of any now known or later developed structural element capable ofwithstanding the loads applied to the rails, such as but not limited to:an H-beam, an I beam, a box beam, etc. In the example shown, segments140 include box beams having access openings 142 (FIG. 7) for accessingend flanges 144. End flanges 144 and other parts of segments 140described herein may be coupled together in any known fashion, e.g.,welding, fasteners, etc., capable of withstanding the stresses ofoperation. As shown for example in FIG. 8, buttresses 154 may be usedwhere necessary for added strength.

Segmented support rails 120, 124 are assembled sequentially usingsegments 140. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, segments 140 may befastened together using removable fasteners such as bolts that extendthrough mating openings in end flanges 144. In this fashion, rails 120,124 may be readily assembled, disassembled and moved from location tolocation. As understood, various other fasteners may be employed, wherepossible. As shown in FIG. 5, at least one segment 140A-D of a selectedsegmented support rail 120, 124 may have a different length than atleast one other segment 140A-D of the selected segmented support rail.For example, segment 140A is shown shorter than segment 140B, andsegment 140C is shown shorter than all other segments. Different lengthsegments 140A-D allow for assembly of rails 120, 124, as will bedescribed in greater detail herein, to avoid having bolted jointconnections over open areas, e.g., into space 128 between foundationpiers, e.g., 122A, 122B. As shown best in FIGS. 6 and 7, each segment140A-D may include a plurality of lift rings or eyes 146 for engaging byan OHC hook 148 (FIG. 7), which may be used to lift and positionsegments. Rings or eyes 146 may take a variety of forms, e.g., pivotinghooks, openings in segments 140, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, each segment 140A-D also includes a channel 148in which a respective skid 110, 114 (FIGS. 9-10) may be guided. In oneembodiment, channel 148 may be formed by upstanding rails 149 onopposing sides of the upper surface of segments 140A-D. Upstanding rails149 may take a variety of forms such as flat plates, or as illustratedbest in FIG. 7, as T-shaped rails set on edge. It is appreciated thatchannels 148 may also be formed in a variety of other fashions, e.g.,machining a groove into a thick upper plate of segments 140, etc.Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, each segment 140A-D may include at least oneremovable skid pad 150 such that each rail 120, 124 includes a pluralityof removable skid pads 150 extending along a length thereof. Each skidpad 150 may include any now known or later developed material forensuring smooth movement of skid 110, 114 (FIGS. 2 and 3) therealong. Inone example, skid pad 150 may include a hard plastic such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Each skid pad 150 may be coupled to arespective segment in any fashion such as but not limited to: threadedfasteners (shown), adhesives, tongue-and-groove couplings, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, each segmented support rail 120, 124 mayalso include a plurality of spaced teeth 152 extending along a lengththereof. Teeth 152 are provided for engagement by linear actuators 130,132 and propulsion thereby, as will be described herein. In theembodiment shown, each tooth 152 may extend from a side of upstandingplates 149, and may be formed, for example, from metal plates welded toplates 149. For example, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 8, whereupstanding plates 149 include a T-shaped rail positioned on edge, teeth152 may extend from an upper edge of the T-shaped rail. Buttresses 154may be employed, where necessary for added strength. In FIG. 8,buttresses 154 are shown below teeth 152, and extending under a base ofthe T-shaped rail. However, this arrangement is not necessary in allcases as teeth 152 may be arranged in a different location depending onhow linear actuators 130, 132 mount to and move along rails 120, 124. Atleast one of the segments, e.g., 140C in FIG. 8, may include a pluralityof fastener openings 156 for coupling the at least one segment to arespective machine foundation, e.g., 122A, 122B. Once in position asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, selective segments that include fasteneropenings 156 may be fastened in place on a machine foundation 122, 126to securely mount segmented rails 120, 124.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, a support rail extender 160 may beprovided for temporary coupling to a first segment 140A of a selectedsegmented support rail 120, 124. As will be described herein, supportrail extender 160 may be used to assist in having each rail 120, 124span gap 128 between a pair of opposing piers, e.g., 122A, 122B, of oneof machine foundations 122, 126 during installation of the selectedsegmented support rail. As support rail extender 160 does not activelysupport generator 12 in operation, it need not be made of the samematerial as rails 120, 124. In one embodiment, extender 160 may be madeof composite or a light metal such as aluminum.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, details of skids 110, 114 are illustrated.Skids 110, 114 are configured to mount to an underside of generator 12and to slidingly support generator 12 on segmented support rails 120,124. FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of skids 110, 114, and FIG. 10shows a bottom perspective view of skids 110, 114. Each skid 110, 114includes a beam 170, and a skid member 172 at each end of the beam. Beam170 may be any elongated structural component and may take any of theforms listed herein relative to rails 120, 124. Each skid member 172includes a mount 174 (FIG. 9) for coupling the skid member to a foot 32,34 of generator 12 and an opposing, skid plate 176 (FIG. 10) for slidingengagement with a respective segmented support rail 120, 124, i.e., onchannel 148. Mounts 174 may include, for example, metal plates includingfastener openings for, e.g., bolting, to a bottom of generator feet 32,34. As understood, a large variety of alternative mechanisms may beemployed to mount skids 170 to feet 32, 34, e.g., tongue-and-groovemounts, etc. Each skid plate 176 may include any form of skid platematerial capable of sliding interaction with skid pads 150 of segmentedsupport rails 120, 124. In one embodiment, skid members 172 may includemetal wear plates made of, for example, stainless steel; however, alarge variety of alternatives may be employed such as but not limited tohard plastics such as PTFE. Each skid member 172 may further include anactuator coupling 178 for selective coupling to one of the pair oflinear actuators 130, 132 (FIG. 3). Any necessary coupling structure 180may be provided to properly support and position mount 174 relative toskid member 172 and/or actuator coupling 178, e.g., with backing platesfor mount 174 and/or skid member 172, and any necessary buttresses 154(FIG. 10) for added strength. Skid members 172 may be coupled to beam170 using any solution, e.g., bolting, welding, etc. Skids 110, 114 mayhave different structure, coupling points, coupling mechanisms, etc.,depending on the type of industrial machine to which they are applied.

Although not part of skids 110, 114, as shown in FIG. 11, system 100 mayalso include a lateral support member 184 for coupling opposing feet,e.g., 32A, 32B or 34A, 34B of the industrial machine, e.g., generator(shown in phantom in FIG. 11). Lateral support member 184 may beprovided to add support to feet 32, 34 by preventing bowing of the feetwhen under lateral movement provided by system 100. Lateral supportmember 184 may include, for example, one or more metal bars or rods thatcouple to feet 32, 34 in any fashion, e.g., bolting, welding, etc. Asalso shown in FIG. 11, each foot 32, 34 may also include a jacking shelf186 extending from each axial end thereof for lifting engagement with aclimbing jack, as will be described herein. Support member(s) 184 maycouple to the bodies of feet 32, 34 and/or to jacking shelves 186.

With further regard to segmented support rails 120, 124 and skids 110,114, while rails 120, 124 have been described as including channels 148into which skid members 172 of skids 110, 114 fits for slidingengagement, it is understood that the channels' position could beswitched within the scope of the invention. In this case, skids 110, 114would include the channel and fit over rails 120, 124.

Turning to FIG. 12, a perspective view of one embodiment of a linearactuator 130, 132 is illustrated. As will be described herein, and asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, pair of linear actuators 130, 132 may include afirst linear actuator 130 coupled between first segmented support rail120 and first skid 110, and a second linear actuator 132 coupled betweensecond segmented support rail 124 and second skid 114. Each linearactuator may include any now known or later developed linear actuationmechanism 188 capable of applying sufficient force to laterally moveindustrial machine 10 (FIG. 1), e.g., generator 12, on support rails120, 124 such as but not limited to a hydraulic cylinder, pneumaticcylinder, etc. In operation, linear actuators 130, 132 would bepositioned in parallel on respective rails 120, 124 and coupled torespective skids 110, 114. Upon activation, linear actuators 130, 132are synchronized with one another so as to slidingly push industrialmachine 10 (FIG. 1), e.g., generator 12, along rails 120, 124 in linewith one another, i.e., maintaining the parallel positioning. Any nowknown or later developed controls may be employed to operate linearactuators 130, 132. In one embodiment, each linear actuator 130, 132 canbe activated to stroke to move generator 12 and then be manuallyre-positioned, after cylinder retraction, relative to each respectiverail 120, 124 for re-activation. In another embodiment, however, inorder to automate the progression of generator 12, each linear actuator130, 132 may include a stepper 190 for automatically sequentially movinggenerator 12 and each linear actuator 130, 132 along rails 120, 124.Details of how stepper 190 functions will be described relative to amethod described herein.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3 in conjunction with FIGS. 13-18, a method oflaterally moving an industrial machine 10 (FIG. 1), such as a generatorin a power plant, for maintenance will now be described. The methodincludes steps for installing and using system 100. Although the methodis shown applied relative to a generator 12, it may be applied to avariety of other industrial machines as listed herein. Turning to FIGS.13 and 14, in preparation for moving of industrial machine 10 (FIG. 1),e.g., generator 12, all mechanical and electrical connections to theindustrial machine are removed, including but not limited to forgenerator 12: foundation anchor bolts; rotor connections to the rotorsof turbines 14, 16; bus duct; neutral grounding; instrumentation; lubeoil, seal oil, cooling water, hydrogen and purge piping connections,etc.

In a first step, shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, generator 12 is raised abovea pair of machine foundations 122, 126, each machine foundationincluding a pair of opposing piers 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B (FIGS. 2-3) onopposite lateral sides of the generator. Any bolts or other fastenersmounting generator 12 in place are removed prior to the raising. Asshown in FIG. 13, system 100 may also include a plurality of climbingjacks 200 for raising generator 12 in a synchronized manner, maintaininggenerator 12 horizontally level in both axial and transverse planes asit is moved to a raised position (FIG. 14) above the first and secondmachine foundations 122, 126. That is, generator 12 raising may includeusing climbing jacks 200 for raising the generator in a synchronizedmanner to a raised position (FIG. 14) above the first and second machinefoundations 122, 126. In the raised position, as will be discussed,installation of first and second skids 110, 114 and first and secondsegmented support rails 120, 124 may be allowed. In one embodiment,eight (8) climbing jacks available from Advanced Lifting Equipment ofDevon, England or Enerpac of Menomonee Falls, Wis., USA, may beemployed. Climbing jacks 200 are set under each jacking shelf 186 asshown in the insets of FIGS. 13 and 14. See also FIG. 11 for locationsof jacking shelves 186. As also shown in FIG. 11, where necessary, themethod may include coupling opposing feet 32A, 32B and 34A, 34B ofgenerator 12 together with support member(s) 184 prior to the raising.Support member(s) 184 may be required for added strength to holdopposing feet together. System 100 may also include cribbing 210 forsupporting generator 12 during raising thereof to the raised position,and in the raised position. That is, as generator 12 is raised, cribbing210 can be placed beneath generator 12, e.g., beneath jacking shelves186, for maintaining the generator in the raised position (or anintermediate position between lowered and raised positions). Once in theraised position and with sufficient cribbing 210 (see FIG. 14) in placeto support generator 12 in the raised position, climbing jacks 200 maybe de-energized.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3 in conjunction with FIGS. 15-18, in a nextstep, first segmented support rail 120 may be installed at first axialposition 112 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of generator 12 and supported laterally bythe opposing piers 122A, 122B of one of the machine foundations 122,126. In a similar fashion, second segmented support rail 124 may beinstalled at second axial position 116 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of generator 12and supported laterally by opposing piers 126A, 126B (FIGS. 2 and 3) ofthe other of the machine foundations 126. As noted above, in a finalposition, each segmented support rail 120, 124 extends a distance beyonda periphery of the generator on at least one end.

FIGS. 15-18 show an illustrative embodiment of installing segmentedsupport rails 120, 124. In FIGS. 15-18, generator 12 is in the raisedposition above piers 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B. In FIG. 15, a first segment140A of a segmented support rail 120 or 124 is positioned by an overheadcrane (OHC) (indicated by triangular lines) coupled by hooks 146 (FIG.7) on one of the foundation piers 122A, 126A. As will be described,segments 140 of rails 120, 124 are sequentially installed. A preliminarystep to segment installation may include temporarily coupling supportrail extender 160 to first segment 140A. As shown in FIGS. 15-18, firstsegment 140A of the rail 122, 124 shown has support rail extender 160coupled thereto for installation. As noted, support rail extender 160assists in having each rail 120, 124 span gap 128 between a pair ofopposing piers, e.g., 122A, 122B, of one of machine foundations 122, 126during installation of the selected segmented support rail.

FIG. 16 shows initial advancement of first segment 140A under generator12. First segment 140A may be advanced by use of the OHC in a knownfashion. As shown, support rail extender 160 does not span gap 128 atthis stage. FIG. 17 shows coupling of a second segment 140B to firstsegment 140A. Segments 140A, 140B may be coupled as described herein,e.g., by bolting flanges 144 (FIG. 8) together. Once coupled, as shownin FIG. 18, the OHC may advance segments 140A, 140B under generator 12.As shown, support rail extender 160 now allows spanning of gap 128,i.e., extender 160 rests on opposing pier 122B, 126B supporting theportion of the rails already coupled together. In this setting, extender160 allows grasping by the OHC (from right side of FIG. 18) such thatsegments 140A, 140B may be more readily pulled under generator 12.Additional segments, e.g., segments 140C, 140D (FIG. 5), may then besequentially added in a similar fashion, until rails 120, 124 arecomplete and supported on the piers, as shown in FIG. 2. Although notnecessary, once rails 120, 124 are installed, extender 160 may beremoved.

As shown in FIG. 2, first skid 110 may be coupled laterally to anunderside of generator 12 and in alignment with first segmented supportrail 120. In a similar fashion, second skid 114 may be coupled laterallyto an underside of generator 12 at second axial position 116 and inalignment with second segmented support rail 124. Here, the raisedposition of generator 12 allows skids 110, 114 to be slid undergenerator 12 in channels 148 (FIG. 5) of rails 120, 124. Generator 12may then be slightly lowered, or skids 110, 114 slightly raised, suchthat mounts 174 (FIG. 9) may be coupled to respective, axially displacedfeet 32, 34 of generator 12, as described herein.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, generator 12 is lowered such that each skid110, 114 is aligned in contact with a respective support rail 120, 124.Generator 12 may be lowered by activation of climbing jacks 200 (seeinset FIGS. 13, 14) and gradual lowering it with removal of cribbing 210(see inset FIG. 14) until generator 12 is supported by rails 120, 124and skids 110, 114. At this point, the jacks and any additional cribbingcan be removed. Any necessary leveling of rails 120, 124 and/or skids110, 114 may be performed as the lowering occurs per conventionalrigging practices. At this stage, generator is supported by system 100,i.e., by skids 110, 114 sitting in channels 148 of segmented supportrails 120, 124, and the rails being supported on respective opposingpiers 122A, 122B and 126A, 126B.

FIG. 3 shows applying a force to laterally move generator 12 as eachskid 110, 114 slides along a respective segmented support rail 120, 124.The force applying includes using linear actuators 130, 132 coupledbetween each segmented support rail 122, 124 and a respective skid 110,114. More particularly, the force applying may include using firstlinear actuator 130 coupled between first segmented support rail 122 andfirst skid 110, and second linear actuator 132 coupled between secondsegmented support rail 124 and second skid 114. Actuators 130, 132 aresynchronized with one another to ensure even movement of each end ofgenerator 12. As will be described, the force applying may includesequentially stepping each linear actuator 130, 132 along a respectivesegmented support rail. Slide pads 150 (FIG. 5) and skid plates 176(FIG. 10) allow sliding motion of skids 110, 114, and hence generator 12to which they are mounted as part of skids 110, 114, to slidingly movealong segmented support rails 120, 124 to the position shown in FIG. 3.

Referring again to FIG. 12, where linear actuators 130, 132 are employedwith steppers 190, each stepper may engage with plurality of teeth 152on rails 120, 124 to step the linear actuators in a synchronized manneralong the segmented support rail. Steppers 190 may be provided on eachside of actuation mechanism 188 to ensure actuators correctly align withrails 120, 124. A wide variety of steppers 190 may be employed withsystem 100 (FIG. 2). In the example shown, a stepper 190 may include anactuation mechanism mount 192 to mount the stepper to actuationmechanism 188 at one end, and a ratchet system 194 extending alongmechanism 192. Each ratchet system 194 includes one or more ratchetelements 196, each which engage with a respective tooth 152 (FIGS. 5 and6) in response to actuation mechanism 188 extending to push generator 12along rails 120, 124. In contrast, ratchet elements 196 pivot to passover a respective tooth 152 in response to actuation mechanism 188retracting. In this latter movement, ratchets 196 are biasedinsufficiently to have their position maintained against the frictionalforce of the weight of generator 12. Consequently, as actuationmechanism 188 retracts, the lateral position of linear actuator 130, 132relative to a respective rail 122, 124 is advanced. As linear actuators130, 132 advance, ratchets 196 pass over one or more teeth 152 untilactuation mechanism 188 is fully retracted. Extension of actuationmechanism 188 again seats at least one ratchet 196 against a respectivetooth 152 such that, once again, actuation mechanism 188 pushesgenerator 12 along support rails 120, 124.

Once generator 12 is in the position shown in FIG. 3, generator 12 issupported by rails 120, 124 (perhaps with vertical support column 102(FIG. 19) and a set of piers, e.g., 122A, 126A. In this position, thereis nothing blocking access to industrial machine 10 (FIG. 10, e.g.,generator rotor 24 (FIG. 1), and any repair and/or maintenance can bereadily performed. Skids 110, 114 and/or rails 120, 124 may be locked inposition per conventional rigging practices so as to not allow movementof industrial machine 10 (e.g., generator 12) during repair and/ormaintenance, e.g., removal of generator rotor 24 (FIG. 1). Once repairand/or maintenance is performed, or if generator rotor 24 (FIG. 1) is tobe removed for a sustained period of time, the industrial machine(generator 12) can be returned to its original position (FIG. 2) byreversing the order of steps described above. That is, linear actuators130, 132 can be coupled to rails 120, 124 on the opposite side from thatshown in FIG. 3 and generator 12 slidingly forced along rails 120, 124to the position shown in FIG. 2. Generator 12 can then be raised suchthat rails 120, 124 and skids 110, 114 can be removed. Generator 12 isthen lowered, remounted to foundations 122, 126 and re-coupled foroperation or temporary storage.

The foregoing description and drawings show some of the processingassociated according to several embodiments of this disclosure. In thisregard, the progression of drawings and their related descriptionrepresent steps associated with embodiments of the method described. Itshould also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the actsnoted in the drawings or description may occur out of the order noted inthe figure or, for example, may in fact be executed substantiallyconcurrently or in the reverse order, depending upon the act involved.For example, in an alternative embodiment, skids 110, 114 may be mountedto feet 32, 34 of generator 12 prior to installation of support rails120, 124.

System 100 as described herein provides for laterally moving anindustrial machine 10 such as a generator 12 for repair or maintenance.System 100 is lower cost compared to conventional gantry systems and canbe assembled/disassembled more quickly than gantry systems. System 100is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture compared to conventionalpermanently mounted movable slabs or heavy duty gantries. In addition,system 100 is relatively quick to set up due, in part, to the railsbeing segmented. System 100 also may reduce the amount of spacenecessary for repair and/or maintenance of an industrial machine as onlylateral space for the machine adjacent to its normal operation positionis necessary. For example, no additional space for cranes, gantries,movable slabs, etc., is necessary. Furthermore, many jurisdictionsrequire health and safety certifications of equipment such as system100. Since system 100 is removable, the certifications can be performedduring down time rather than having to be performed in-situ, whichreduces set up time and costs.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or generators, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,generators, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for laterally moving an industrialmachine for maintenance, the system comprising: a pair of skidsconfigured to couple laterally to an underside of the industrialmachine; a pair of rail elements configured to be positioned laterallybelow and support the industrial machine, the pair of rail elementsallowing the industrial machine to be moved laterally from a firstoperative position to a second, maintenance position and including: afirst segmented support rail for positioning in sliding, aligned contactwith one skid of the pair of skids and configured to be supported on afirst machine foundation; a second segmented support rail forpositioning in sliding, aligned contact with another skid of the pair ofskids and configured to be positioned on a second machine foundation,each of the first segmented support rail and the second segmentedsupport rail extending a distance beyond a periphery of the industrialmachine on at least one end; and a plurality of fastener openings formedon at least one segment of each of the first segmented support rail andthe second segmented support rail for coupling the at least one segmentto the respective first machine foundation or the second machinefoundation; and a pair of linear actuators, each linear actuator mounteddirectly on and slidably coupled to one of the first segmented supportrail or the second segmented support rail, the pair of linear actuatorscapable of: applying a force directly to the pair of skids to cause alateral movement of the industrial machine from the first, operativeposition to the second maintenance position by causing a slideinteraction of each skid in the pair of skids along the respective firstsegmented support rail or the second segmented support rail; andslidably moving along the first segmented support rail or the secondsegmented support rail to cause the lateral movement of the industrialmachine from the first, operative position to the second maintenanceposition.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of skids include: afirst skid configured to couple laterally to an underside of theindustrial machine at a first axial position; and a second skidconfigured to couple laterally to an underside of the industrial machineat a second axial position, wherein the pair of linear actuators areconfigured to laterally move the industrial machine as each skid slidesalong a respective segmented support rail.
 3. The system of claim 2,further comprising a support rail extender for temporary coupling to afirst segment of a selected segmented support rail for spanning a gapbetween a pair of opposing piers of one of the machine foundationsduring installation of the selected segmented support rail.
 4. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein each segment of the segmented support railsincludes at least one removable skid plate.
 5. The system of claim 2,wherein at least one segment of a selected segmented support rail has adifferent length than at least one other segment of the selectedsegmented support rail.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein each skidincludes: a beam; and a skid member at each end of the beam, each skidmember including a mount for coupling the skid member to a foot of theindustrial machine and an opposing, skid plate for sliding engagementwith a respective segmented support rail.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein each skid member further includes an actuator coupling forselective coupling to one of the pair of linear actuators.
 8. The systemof claim 2, wherein the pair of linear actuators include a first linearactuator coupled between the first segmented support rail and the firstskid, and a second linear actuator coupled between the second segmentedsupport rail and the second skid, and wherein the first and secondlinear actuator are synchronized with one another.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein each segmented support rail includes a plurality ofspaced teeth extending along a length thereof, and each linear actuatorincluding a linear actuating mechanism and a stepper sequentiallyengaging with the plurality of teeth to step the linear actuator alongthe segmented support rail.
 10. The system of claim 2, furthercomprising a plurality of climbing jacks for raising the industrialmachine in a synchronized manner to a raised position above the firstand second machine foundations, allowing installation of the first andsecond skids and the first and second segmented support rails.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, further comprising cribbing for supporting theindustrial machine during raising of thereof to the raised position. 12.The system of claim 2, wherein each machine foundation includes a pairof opposing piers on opposing sides of the industrial machine, eachsupport rail spanning a space between a respective pair of opposingpiers in operation.
 13. The system of claim 2, further comprising asupport member for coupling opposing feet of the industrial machinetogether.
 14. The system of claim 2, further comprising a support railfor supporting a portion of a respective support rail extending beyond arespective machine foundation.
 15. The system of claim 2, wherein one ofthe skids and the segmented support rails includes a channel into whichthe other one of the skid and the segmented support rail is engaged. 16.The system of claim 2, wherein each segment of the segmented supportrails includes a plurality of lift rings or eyes.
 17. A system forlaterally moving an industrial machine of a power plant for maintenance,the system comprising: a first skid configured to couple laterally to anunderside of the industrial machine at a first axial position; a secondskid configured to couple laterally to the underside of the industrialmachine at a second axial position; a first segmented support rail forpositioning in sliding, aligned contact with the first skid andconfigured to be supported on a first machine foundation the firstsegmented support rail including: a channel for slidably engaging thefirst skid; a second segmented support rail for positioning in sliding,aligned contact with the second skid and configured to be positioned ona second machine foundation, the second segmented support railincluding: a channel for slidably engaging the second skid; and a pairof linear actuators, each linear actuator mounted directly on andslidably coupled to one of the first segmented support rail or thesecond segmented support rail, the pair of linear actuators capable of:applying a force directly to the first skid and the second skid to causea lateral movement of the industrial machine by causing slidinginteraction of each of the first skid and the second skid along arespective segmented support rail; and slidably moving along the one ofthe first segmented support rail or the second segmented support rail tocause the lateral movement of the industrial machine, wherein each ofthe first segmented support rail and the second segmented support railextend a distance beyond a periphery of the industrial machine on atleast one end.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one segmentof a selected segmented support rail has a different length than atleast one other segment of the selected segmented support rail.
 19. Asystem for laterally moving an industrial machine for maintenance, thesystem comprising: a pair of segmented rail elements configured to bepositioned laterally below and support the industrial machine, the pairof segmented rail elements allowing the industrial machine to be movedlaterally from a first operative position to a second, maintenanceposition, wherein the pair of segmented rail elements includes: a firstskid configured to couple laterally to an underside of the industrialmachine at a first axial position; a second skid configured to couplelaterally to an underside of the industrial machine at a second axialposition; a first segmented support rail for positioning in sliding,aligned contact with the first skid and configured to be supported on afirst machine foundation; a second segmented support rail forpositioning in sliding, aligned contact with the second skid andconfigured to be positioned on a second machine foundation, eachsegmented support rail extending a distance beyond a periphery of theindustrial machine on at least one end; and a pair of linear actuators,each linear actuator mounted directly on and slidably coupled to one ofthe first segmented support rail or the second segmented support rail,the pair of linear actuators capable of: applying a force directly tothe first skid and the second skid to cause a lateral movement of theindustrial machine by causing sliding interaction of each of the firstskid and the second skid along a respective segmented support rail; andslidably moving along the one of the first segmented support rail or thesecond segmented support rail to cause the lateral movement of theindustrial machine, wherein at least one segment of a selected segmentedsupport rail has a different length than at least one other segment ofthe selected segmented support rail.